A recent government shutdown is reportedly causing immediate financial consequences for numerous hourly contractors and low-wage workers across the United States. Unlike some federal employees who are assured back pay following a shutdown, contractors — whether hired directly by the government or through third-party firms — are not guaranteed compensation for lost wages.
Willie Price, 65, an hourly food service worker, and Audrey Murray, 64, a security officer at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, are cited as individuals experiencing disruption to their income. Murray previously faced financial strain during a 2018 government shutdown, requiring two years to repay borrowed funds.
Randy Erwin, president of the National Federation of Federal Employees, has cautioned that a prolonged shutdown could lead to severe financial hardship for low-wage workers, many of whom are described as living paycheck to paycheck.
Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/us-govt-shutdown-day-4-woman-gets-furloughed-at-65-expresses-concerns-as-she-remains-without-pay-i-could-lose-11759597165528.html